Reconfigurable travel trailer

ABSTRACT

A travel trailer is provided. The travel trailer may include a camping pod that contains tent fabric. The travel trailer may also have a telescoping member that is configured for raising and lowering the camping pod.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit ofU.S. application Ser. No. 11/890,445 filed on Aug. 6, 2007 and entitled,“Reconfigurable Travel Trailer.” U.S. application Ser. No. 11/890,445claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/946,885 filed on Jun.28, 2007 and entitled, “Reconfigurable Vehicle.” The present applicationalso claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/946,885. U.S.application Ser. Nos. 60/946,885 and 11/890,445 are both incorporated byreference herein in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to travel trailers. Moreparticularly, the present application involves a travel trailer that canbe towed in a travel configuration and then converted into a transportconfiguration for use in transporting an object. The travel trailer canalso be converted into a camping configuration in which a tent is formedfor use when camping.

BACKGROUND

Travel trailers are available in many types, shapes and sizes, and aretypically dedicated for a single purpose. Trailers with flat beds areused for hauling cargo from building materials to furniture. They aregenerally topless and suited with a perimeter fence, or completelyclosed with an access door to retain their cargo. Trailers equipped witha flat bed or rails are normally used for transport of recreationalvehicles such as all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, watercraft, bicyclesor the like. There are trailers outfitted with camper modules, some ofwhich, while incapable of carrying any substantial load, are capable ofbeing converted from a transport trailer to a camper. A further divisionor class of camper trailer is the pop-up tent camper. These campertrailers are generally constructed of mild steel panels that can bearticulated to a vertically expanded position, or popped up, and incombination with an internal tent fabric that acts in concert with thesteel panels, reconfigures into a camper environment. Due to a generallack of applied engineering techniques, material selection such as mildsteel and multiple gussets for structural stability causes the finishedproduct to be overly weighty and cumbersome.

Lack of adaptability of travel trailers may be problematic if a userwishes to carry an object, such as an all terrain vehicle or amotorcycle, along with a camper. In these instances, one such option maybe to use a truck for the tow vehicle that has a truck bed capable ofaccommodating the desired object. Further, if there are more than twopassengers, the trip necessitates the use of a truck with an extendedcab to provide greater passenger capacity. With regard to rafting,kayaking or other aquatic activities where there is an embarkation pointand a debarkation point, a transport vehicle may be desirable atjourneys end for return to the origination point. A travel trailer thatallows one to trailer a light motor vehicle to the take out point, dropoff the transportation, and return to the start point for a riverexperience without worry or concern over transportation arrangements maybe desirable.

Some travel trailers may also be manufactured so as to be pricecompetitive with little or no regard to curb weight. These types oftravel trailers are fabricated for the most part, from less expensivematerials, such as off-the-shelf mild steel, as opposed to proprietarycustom shapes of more expensive non-corrosive lighter materials likealuminum. Any perceived savings from the initial purchase is quicklyvanquished; initially by the requirement of a tow vehicle with asuitable tow package. A tow package, which generally consists of aheavier duty transmission, frame and suspension, can increase theexpenditure for the prime mover by many hundreds, if not thousands ofdollars. Use of a motorcycle as a tow vehicle is not an option.Additionally, this increased weight, for the trailer and the towvehicle, adversely affects the miles per gallon of fuel, againincreasing the cost of the camping experience. Often, after detachingthe trailer from the hitch, it is desirable to reposition the trailerand roll it manually to a more desirable location. Depending on terrainand topography, this operation may require more than one person.

Trailers built expressly for towing loads, especially in the form ofwheeled vehicles, may be suited with a tilt capacity, or come with aramp for on or offloading cargo while the trailer is still attached tothe tow vehicle. Camper trailers are not intended to carry vehicleswithin and therefore are not available with a tilt option. Further,pop-up tent campers which unfold to provide sleeping surfaces do so byexpanding forward and backward. As such, camper trailers may need to beremoved from the towing vehicle in order to be tilted or to expand inorder to construct sleeping and living quarters.

With regard to pop-up tent campers, the upper structure is not typicallysuited to support or carry a load. Carrying additional cargo maynecessitate other transport capabilities for which the pop-up camper isnot structurally suited to accommodate. One common answer for thisproblem is attachment of a roof rack for such cargo as kayaks or lightarticles, which must be placed atop the towing vehicle. This placementputs the cargo out of the driver's sight casting doubt and concern as tohow securely the cargo is attached, especially at highway speeds. Thishigh placement atop the vehicle causes additional problems in handling,due to a raised center of gravity coupled with wind resistance, whichadversely affects the control and steering characteristics of the towvehicle. A further disadvantage of this high placement is the difficultyof on or offloading the cargo from an uncomfortable lifting height.

As such, there remains room for variation and improvement within theart.

SUMMARY

Various features of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned from practice of the invention.

One aspect of one exemplary embodiment provides for a travel trailerthat has a camping pod that contains tent fabric. A telescoping membermay also be present that is configured for raising and lowering thecamping pod.

Another aspect of an additional exemplary embodiment is provided in atent that has a camping pod that at least partially forms a wall of thetent and that at least partially forms a top of the tent. Tent fabric isalso present that at least partially forms at least two walls of thetent.

A further aspect of an alternative exemplary embodiment is found in atent that has a camping pod and tent fabric. The tent fabric is deployeddownward from the camping pod into position so as to at least partiallyform at least one side wall of the tent.

Another aspect of an additional exemplary embodiment is provided in acamping pod that has a first wall and a second wall that are configuredfor being moved relative to one another. The first wall and the secondwall may be configured to be attached to a trailer and detached from thetrailer. When attached to the trailer, the first wall and the secondwall may be capable of being reoriented on the trailer from a travelconfiguration to a camping configuration.

A still further aspect of another exemplary embodiment is provided in atravel trailer that has a frame with a floor and a bed panel. A campingpod is also present and is configured to be attached to and removed fromthe travel trailer. The camping pod is configured to be attached to thetravel trailer and be reconfigurable between a travel configuration, atransport configuration, and a camping configuration. The camping pod iscloser to the floor when in the travel configuration than when in thetransport configuration. The bed panel is reconfigurable between atravel configuration and a transport configuration when the camping podis removed from the travel trailer.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, whichmakes reference to the appended Figs. in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a travel trailer in a travelconfiguration in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a travel trailer in a transportconfiguration in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a detailed side view of the travel trailer of FIG. 7 showingthe interaction between a bed platform and a telescoping member.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a travel trailer in the transportconfiguration that is tilted in order to assist in the loading of avehicle in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 10A inwhich an all terrain vehicle is being loaded thereon.

FIG. 12 is a back perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 10A inwhich the travel trailer is not tilted and an all terrain vehicle isloaded thereon for transport.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a travel trailer in a campingconfiguration in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a back perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a detailed, side cross-sectional view of a travel trailer inthe transport configuration in which the arrangement of the camping podis illustrated in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a detailed, side cross-sectional view of the travel trailerof FIG. 15 converted into the camping configuration in which thearrangement of the opened camping pod is illustrated.

FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of a rack and camping pod inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the travel trailer of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a back view of the travel trailer of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior of a tent formed by thetravel trailer when in the camping configuration in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exterior of a tent formed by thetravel trailer when in the camping configuration in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the travel trailer of FIG. 21 thatillustrates interior features of the tent.

FIG. 22B is a partial perspective view that illustrates the bed panel ofFIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the interior of the travel trailer ofFIG. 21 in which a table and bed panels with air mattresses arearranged.

FIG. 23 B is a cross-sectional view of one of the bed panels of thetravel trailer of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the camping pod that shows theorientation of various components stored therein.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping member in theretracted position in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping member of FIG. 25in the extended position.

FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional view that shows the connection between thetelescoping member and the rack in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.

FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 27A but taken along adifferent section of the connection to show additional features of theconnection between the telescoping member and the rack.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the travel trailer with the rack,camping pod, and bed panels removed.

FIG. 29 is a side view that shows a tongue extension attached to thehitch in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and notmeant as a limitation of the invention. For example, featuresillustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used withanother embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intendedthat the present invention include these and other modifications andvariations.

It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include allranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all rangesmentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentionedranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned hereininclude all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance,a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to4.5.

The present invention provides for a travel trailer 10 that can be usedfor camping and for transporting objects. In accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, the travel trailer 10 can be placed into a travelconfiguration for transport by a vehicle to a desired location.Additionally, the travel trailer 10 can be converted into a transportconfiguration in which it becomes capable of transporting an object 58such as an all terrain vehicle. In certain embodiments the traveltrailer 10 can be provided with a hinge connection 50 in order to allowa portion of the travel trailer 10 to tilt so as to more easily load andunload objects 58. The travel trailer 10 may also be placed into acamping configuration in which a tent 22 is formed on the travel trailer10 for shelter during camping. The travel trailer 10 can be constructedto be relatively lightweight with a low center of gravity to providestability during transport and reduce wind resistance to conserve gasmileage and improve handling.

One exemplary embodiment of the travel trailer 10 is shown in FIG. 1.Here, the travel trailer 10 is shown in a travel configuration in whichit is positioned in order to be transported by a vehicle (not shown) toa desired location. The travel trailer 10 can be sized and configured sothat it is capable of being transported by a variety of vehicles such astrucks, sport utility vehicles, cars and motorcycles. The travel trailer10 includes a hitch 48 for attachment to a tow ball of a vehicle fortransport. The hitch 48 may be a trailer hitch provided by Knott BrakeCompany having offices located at 144 West Drive, Lodi, Ohio, USA. Thishitch 48 can be modified to fit a two inch tow ball that is commonlyfound on highway vehicles. The hitch 48 includes an arm that can belowered in order to provide support to the front of the travel trailer10 when not attached to the towing vehicle. Other forms of engagementbetween the vehicle and travel trailer 10 are also possible. Forexample, the travel trailer 10 can have a hitch 48 that is inserted intoa trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle, or the travel trailer 10 may bechained to or otherwise secured to the transporting vehicle. The hitch48 may sometimes be referred to as a tongue. As such, it is to beunderstood that as used herein, the term “hitch” means a “tongue” of thetravel trailer 10 and the hitch 48 can have a meaning that is broaderthan, more restrictive than, or the same in scope as the term “tongue.”

FIGS. 2 through 6 are various views of the travel trailer 10 of FIG. 1in the travel configuration. The travel trailer 10 has a frame 12 thatincludes a front portion 80 that supports a front storage box 82. Thefront storage box 82 may be made out of plastic in order to reduce theweight of the travel trailer 10 and hence increase fuel efficiency ofthe vehicle towing same. The front storage box 82 has a cover that canbe opened in order to store items therein and remove items therefrom. Alocking type hinge may be incorporated into the front storage box 82.The hinge position of the front storage box 82 is at the top of thefront storage box 82 so that upon opening, the cover moves upwards andtowards the rear of the travel trailer 10. The front storage box 82 mayinclude two plastic pieces that are joined in such a manner that aseparate hinge component is not needed. In this regard, the cover of thefront storage box 82 is provided with a bayonet type member that fitswithin a receiving member on the lower portion of the front storage box82. These two parts can pivot with respect to one another without theneed for a separate hinge component to allow for opening and closing ofthe front storage box 82. A vice action compression latch provided bySouthco® having offices at 210 N. Brinton Lake Rd, Concordville, Pa.,USA can be included in order to provide a mechanism for opening, closingand locking the front storage box 82. The front storage box 82 is thuslockable and can be insulated in order to prevent heat transfer to orfrom items housed within. A drain plug can be provided in the bottom ofthe front storage box 82 in order to drain water therefrom. Further,various tools that may be used to reconfigure the travel trailer 10 canbe stored in the front storage box 82 and may be placed into specialcompartments formed therein.

The frame 12 supports a floor 24 that has a generally rectangular shape.The floor 24 can be a solid component or may be a grate or othernon-solid member. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the floor24 includes a series of flanged c-channel cross members that extendbetween first and second side frame components 30 and 32 on either sideof the frame 12. The floor 24 has a solid section that rests on top ofthe c-channel cross members to provide a surface onto which objects maybe located and transported by the travel trailer 10. The cross-membersand solid section of the floor 24 may be attached to one another throughwelding. The aforementioned components of the floor 24 can be made outof aluminum in accordance with one exemplary embodiment in order toimpart lightweight properties to the travel trailer 10 while stillproviding sufficient support strength thereto. Any number ofcross-members may be incorporated into the floor 24. For example, fromfive to ten cross-members may be used in certain exemplary embodiments.

The frame 12 has vertical corner posts 28 located generally at the fourcorners of the floor 24. The vertical corner posts 28 can be made ofextruded aluminum in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The frame12 also has a first side frame component 30 and a second side framecomponent 32. The side frame components 30 and 32 are made of an openframework so that wind resistance is reduced during transport of thetravel trailer 10. Further, the open framework of the side framecomponents 30 and 32 functions to reduce the weight of the traveltrailer 10. The side frame components 30 and 32 may have a circularcross-sectional shape and can be made of aluminum for further weightreduction benefits. Portions of the side frame components 30 and 32extend in a generally curved manner between the wheels 60 and thevertical corner posts 28. Other portions of the side frame components 30and 32 are relatively straight in the forward and backward direction ofthe travel trailer 10.

With reference to FIG. 3, the frame 12 has a yoke 34 that is attached tothe hitch 48 by way of a hinge connection 50. The hinge connection 50may be constructed through a journal connection between the yoke 34 andthe hitch 48. The yoke 34 may be made of steel in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment and may have a generally channel-shapedcross-section. A pin 52 can be present in the hinge connection 50 inorder to lock the hinge connection 50 so that the hitch 48 does notrotate with respect to the yoke 34. In this regard, the hitch 48 canhave an aperture defined therethrough that is oriented in theinboard/outboard direction of the travel trailer 10. The aperture can bemoved into alignment with a channel having a pair of flanges that arearranged on the bottom of a front portion 80 of the frame 12. The pin 52can be disposed through the apertures of the flanges and the hitch 48 sothat the position of the hitch 48 with respect to the frame 12 is fixed.The hitch 48 extends generally in the forward/backward direction of thetravel trailer 10 when locked. The yoke 34 has ends that are receivedwithin channels formed by the first and second side frame components 30and 32. The ends of yoke 34 can be bolted, welded or otherwise attachedto the first and second side frame components 30 and 32 in order tostrengthen and tie the frame 12 together. Further, the yoke 34 may bewelded onto the cross-members of the floor 24 in order to furtherstrengthen the overall attachment of this member to the other portionsof the travel trailer 10.

Frame 12 also supports a pair of wheels 60 located on either sidethereof for mobility. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, thewheels 60 are ten inches in diameter and are made of aluminum from acasting process. The wheels 60 have a hub that has an open frameworkstructure. Here, a number of spokes radiate out from the center of thehub to its outer perimeter that is engaged with the tire. Use of analuminum hub with an open structure provides for a reduction in weightof the wheels 60. The tires incorporated into the wheels 60 may beprovided by Tredit Tire and Wheel Co., Inc. having offices at 57941Charlotte Avenue, Elkhart, Ind., USA. The wheels 60 are mounted to thefirst and second side frame components 30 and 32 through a spindleengagement. However, it is to be understood that a live axle may beemployed with respect to the wheels 60 in accordance with otherexemplary embodiments. A pair of guards are positioned above the wheels60 in order to protect the wheels 60 and prevent debris from beingthrown therefrom. Additionally, LEDs may be included within the guardsof the wheels 60 in order to illuminate the tires of the wheels 60 sothat the occupants of the vehicle can observe the tires at night toensure that they are in proper working condition. The wheels 60 can beattached to the spindles extending from the side frame components 30 and32 in a variety of manners. For example, a pin may be disposed throughboth the hub of the wheels 60 and the side frame components 30 and 32 inorder to effect this attachment. Other embodiments are possible in whichlug nuts or other fasteners are used to effect this connection.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, a first bed platform 14 is pivotallyattached to vertical corner posts 28 of the first side frame component30. In a similar manner, a second bed platform 16 is pivotally attachedto vertical corner posts 28 of the second side frame component 32. Thefirst and second bed platforms 14 and 16 are positioned so as to befolded on top of one another when the travel trailer 10 is placed intothe travel configuration. In this regard, the pivot connection betweenthe bed platforms 14, 16 and the side frame components 30 and 32 can bemade so that the bed platforms 14, 16 pivot to a certain limit and arethen stopped. In particular, a ledge can be incorporated into theinterior of the vertical corner posts 28 that is engaged by, and hencelimits, a projecting portion of the pin of the pivot connection betweenthe bed platforms 14, 16 and the vertical corner posts. Additionally oralternatively, one or both of the side frame components 30, 32 can havea lip or other portion onto which the bed platforms 14, 16 rest so thatthey can be properly positioned in the travel configuration.

The bed platforms 14 and 16 have a generally rectangular shaped outerperimeter with a pair of cross-members located therein. Thecross-members of the bed platforms 14 and 16 are semi-circular in shapeand extend along the forward/backward direction of the travel trailer 10and extend along approximately half of the width of the bed platforms 14and 16 meeting one another at approximately the half way point. The bedplatforms 14 and 16 are thus arranged so as to have an open constructionto decrease wind resistance and to decrease material costs and weight.The bed platforms 14 and 16 may be made out of aluminum in accordancewith one exemplary embodiment and may be assembled through a weldingprocess. In the illustrated travel configuration, the bed platforms 14and 16 extend only part way between the first and second side framecomponents 30 and 32.

The travel trailer 10 also has a camping pod 18 that is supported by arack 76 that rests on top of the vertical corner posts 28 in the travelconfiguration. The camping pod 18 can be molded and is made of plasticin accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The camping pod 18 can havean upper surface that is aerodynamically shaped in order to reduce windresistance during transport of the travel trailer 10. In this regard,the upper surface of the camping pod 18 is curved in theforward/backward direction of the travel trailer 10. The upper surfaceof the camping pod 18 has a depression defined thereon located below apair of cross-members 84 of the rack 76. The depressed portion of theupper surface of the camping pod 18 has a generally flat shape while theadjacent portions in the forward and rearward directions are generallycurved in shape. This arrangement assists in decreasing the overallheight and weight of the travel trailer 10. However, it is to beunderstood that other exemplary embodiments are possible in which theupper surface of the camping pod 18 has a continuous shape that iseither flat or curved.

As shown with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the travel trailer 10 can beplaced into a travel configuration so that it has a relatively compactsize and a low height. This arrangement assists in reducing windresistance during transport and also affords the driver a moreunobstructed rear view from the towing vehicle. The rack 76 alsoincludes one or more cross-members 84 that stretch essentially betweenboth sides of the travel trailer 10. The various components of the rack76 such as the cross-members 84 may be made of aluminum. The rack 76 hasforward and rearward members that have circular cross-sectional shapeswhile other components such as the cross-members 84 are elliptical incross-section. The rack 76 may be variously configured in accordancewith other exemplary embodiments. The cross-members 84 can be used tosupport objects such as kayaks, bicycles or skis. The reduced height ofthe travel trailer 10 thus allows objects to be placed onto the rack 76and transported in the travel configuration so that the operator of thetowing vehicle can view the transported objects in the rear view mirror.In this regard, the height of the travel trailer 10 may be set such thatthe top of the travel trailer 10 does not extend beyond the height ofthe rear window of the towing vehicle so that a driver can see throughhis or her rear view mirror beyond the travel trailer 10. Observation ofthe transported objects may be more desirable to the driver as one willhave more security knowing that the object is properly positioned asopposed to the situation in which the object is above the line of sightof the driver and thus hidden from view. As such, the travel trailer 10is capable of transporting objects when in the travel configuration.

The frame 12 also has a rear cross-member 36 located generally at theback end of the travel trailer 10. The rear cross-member 36 spans thefirst and second side frame components 30 and 32. The rear cross-member36 may be made of aluminum and may be formed through extrusion and havean outer surface that is at least partially curved. Connecting members100 can be used to attach the first and second side frame components 30and 32 to the rear cross-member 36. The connecting members 100 can beintegrally formed with the first and second side frame components 30 and32 or may be welded thereon in certain exemplary embodiments. The firstside frame component 30 can have a lower portion that has across-section with internal grooves into which a correspondingly groovedportion of the connecting member 100 can be engaged. A plastic bumperportion is incorporated into the connecting member 100 in order tominimize or prevent damage upon contact of the travel trailer 10 with avehicle or other object. The connecting member 100 includes a generallyL-shaped portion that is within the rear cross member 36 and engages thevertical post 28. Two bolts function to attach the bumper portion of theconnecting member 100 thereto, and also serve to attach the L-shapedportion of the connecting member 100 to the rear cross member 36. Therear cross member 36 is bolted to the vertical post 28. A secondconnecting member 100 can be used in a similar manner to help attach thesecond side frame component 32 and the rear cross-member 36.

A step 38 is mounted onto the rear cross-member 36 by way of adetachable pivot connection 42. The step 38 has a pair of arms that haveends that are pivotally engaged with the rear cross-member 36. The armsof the step have an aperture that is received between a pair of flangeson the rear cross-member 36. A steel pin is disposed therethrough inorder to constrain these components to one another in pivoting relation.The first and second side bed panels 14 and 16 can rest onto the step 38in the travel configuration so that the step 38 is held in place andprevented from moving. The step 38 in turn may function as a stop orrest for the side bed panels 14 and 16 in this regard. Once the side bedpanels 14 and 16 are removed from the top of the step 38, the step 38can be pivoted downward so as to function as a step to aid a user to andfrom the floor 24 or interior of the travel trailer 10. The pinsconnecting the arms of the step 38 to the rear cross-member 36 can beremoved so that the step 38 can likewise be disengaged from the rearcross-member 36 during loading or unloading of the travel trailer 10.The step 38 has a body section that carries a license plate 40 that isoriented into a display position when the travel trailer is in thetravel configuration. The step 38 may be held in the orientation shownin FIGS. 1 through 6 in a variety of alternative manners. For example,the detachable pivot connection 42 may be strong enough to hold the step38 in the illustrated position, or a pin or other latching member can beused to secure the step 38 to a portion of the frame 12 or rack 76 inorder to fix the position of the step 38 as shown. The step 38 may be acast aluminum part that has a series of grooves disposed thereon inorder to aid in traction of the user when being traversed.

The travel trailer 10 can be fitted with a variety of light markers inorder to increase its visibility and to comply with various Departmentof Transportation laws. The vertical corner posts 28 can be formed witha channel that extends in the vertical direction of the travel trailer10. A series of rear light markers 88 can be installed in the channel ofthe vertical corner posts 28 in order to illuminate the travel trailer10 and to alert other drivers that the brakes to the towing vehicle arebeing applied. The rear light markers 88 may be sealed LED clearancelights as provided by Command Electronics having offices at 15670 MorrisIndustrial Drive, Schookraft, Mich., USA. The rear light markers 88 canalso be used to indicate left and right hand turns of the towingvehicle. A plurality of side light markers 90 can be housed within aplastic mounting piece and positioned on the frame 12 at locationsessentially below the vertical corner posts 28. The side light markers90 may be amber and red side lamps as provided by Truck-Lite® Co., Inc.,having offices at 310 East Elmwood Avenue, Fakoner, N.Y., USA.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the travel trailer 10 reconfigured from the travelconfiguration into a transport configuration. In the transportconfiguration, a transport area 56 is defined in the travel trailer 10into which any variety of objects 58 can be placed for transport. Theframe 12 supports a floor 24 onto which the objects 58 can be placed.The floor 24 can be a grate or can be a solid piece in accordance withvarious exemplary embodiments. When provided as a solid piece, thesurface of the floor 24 can have traction enabled features, such asprojections extending therefrom, in order to enhance footing. The solidfloor 24 surface can be a single piece or may be multiple pieces thatare assembled and welded into place. In accordance with one exemplaryembodiment, the floor 24 has a solid piece surface that is made frommultiple pieces and has traction features stamped therein. The campingpod 18 is located above the transport area 56 when the travel trailer 10is placed into the transport configuration. The camping pod 18 containstent fabric 20 that is of a generally light weight so that the traveltrailer 10 will still maintain a low center of gravity and will resistbecoming unstable and tipping over when placed into the transportconfiguration with proper loading of the transport area 56.Additionally, the positioning of the camping pod 18 above the axle ofwheels 60 may provide for greater stability of the travel trailer 10than in situations in which the camping pod 18 is located in the frontof the travel trailer 10 or in the rear of the travel trailer 10.

In order to convert the travel trailer 10 from the travel configurationinto the transport configuration, the camping pod 18 is elevated in thevertical direction away from the floor 24. Although a variety of meansmay be employed in order to lift the camping pod 18, a lifting mechanism26 is used in the exemplary embodiment shown. Referring back to FIG. 5,the lifting mechanism 26 includes a socket 92. A tool (not shown) can bestored in the front storage box 82 and can be removed therefrom whenactuation of the lifting mechanism 26 is desired. The tool can beloosely stored in the front storage box 82 or may be placed into amolded retaining recess formed in the front storage box 82. The user caninsert the tool into the socket 92 and rotate the tool therein in orderto generate rotational movement in the lifting mechanism 26. FIG. 3shows a transmission 86 of the lifting mechanism 26 that is used totransfer rotational motion of the socket 92. The transmission 86 iswelded onto the floor 24 of the frame 12. However, other methods ofattachment, such as bolting or the use of mechanical fasteners, may beemployed in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. The liftingmechanism 26 may include a handle and cable as supplied byDutton-Lainson Co. having offices at 451 West Second Street, HastingsNebr., USA. The lift tubes and guide tubes of the transmission 86 andlifting mechanism 26 may be a crank system as provided by GoshenStamping Co. Inc. having offices located at 1025 South tenth Street,Goshen, Ind., USA.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the telescoping members 74 extendthrough transmission of motion from the transmission 86 of the liftingmechanism 26. In this manner, rotational motion imparted by the userturning a tool (not shown) in the socket 92 is translated by the liftingmechanism 26 into linear motion of the telescoping members 74. Thetelescoping members 74 extend from the vertical corner posts 28 in agenerally linear direction away from the floor 24. The top of thetelescoping members 74 engage the rack 76 and thus cause the rack 76 andthe attached camping pod 18 to raise when the telescoping members 74 areextended. Next, the user may unfold the first bed platform 14 so that itachieves an essentially vertical orientation. The vertical corner posts28 that support the first bed platform 14 have slots 98, visible in FIG.2, through which pins 104 extend from the first bed platform 14 into thevertical corner posts 28. The pins 104 are shown in the detailed, sideview of the travel trailer 10 in FIG. 9. The arrangement is such thatthe first bed platform 14 can be moved linearly upwards along the slots98 and then rotated into the vertical orientation shown. The pin 104thus slidingly and pivotally engages the vertical corner posts 28. Acut-out portion 102 is defined by the first bed platform 14 to provideclearance about the upper portions of the vertical posts 28 to allow thefirst bed platform 14 to rotate around the vertical corner posts 28.Once the first bed platform 14 is oriented into a vertical position, itis lowered downward along slots 98 so that a portion of the first bedplatform 14 rests on top of the vertical corner posts 28 as shown inFIG. 9. In this regard, a recessed area or a pin and hole arrangementcan be used in order to secure the first bed platform 14 onto thevertical corner posts 28 in the vertical orientation. In a particularexemplary embodiment, the first bed platform 14 has a hole that receivesa pin that extends from the top of the vertical corner post 28. A setpin is also inserted into this connection in order to provide for a moresecure attachment and to eliminate or reduce vibration. The pins and setpins may be made of steel in the disclosed exemplary embodiment.

The lifting mechanism 26 can then be actuated so that the telescopingmembers 74 are lowered thus causing the rack 76 to be moved down ontothe top of the first bed platform 14 as shown in FIG. 9. Again, a recessor a pin and hole combination can be used in order to more properlysecure the engagement between the first bed platform 14 and the rack 76.In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the first bed platform 14has a pin extending therefrom that is received within a mating holedefined on the bottom of the rack 76. A set pin is again disposed intothis connection. As such, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,eight set pins may need to be removed in order to raise and lower thepod 18 between the travel and the raised configuration.

The first bed platform 14 can thus be reconfigured into a verticalorientation when placed in the transport configuration and beappropriately secured during transport. In a similar manner, the secondbed platform 16 can be oriented from the folded position in the travelconfiguration into the vertical position in the transport configuration.The arrangement and features of the second bed platform 16 can besimilar to those previously discussed with respect to the first bedplatform 14 and a repeat of these characteristics is not necessary.

Once the bed platforms 14 and 16 have been oriented into the transportconfiguration an enlarged transport area 56 is formed in the traveltrailer 10. The transport area 56 can be large enough to hold an allterrain vehicle (ATV) 58 so that one may transport the ATV 58 to adesired location. Additionally, the travel trailer 10 may be made lightenough so that once arriving at a staging location one may hook thetravel trailer 10 up to the ATV 58 so that the travel trailer 10 can betransported to a desired area inaccessible to the towing vehicle. Thedetachable pivot connection 42 can be released so that the step 38 isremoved from the rear cross-member 36. Removal of step 38 allows thetransport area 56 to be more easily accessed. The first bed platform 14,second bed platform 16 and vertical corner posts 28 form a generallyopen framework so that wind resistance is minimized when transportingthe travel trailer 10 in the transport configuration.

The travel trailer 10 can be arranged with certain features to allow theATV 58 to be more easily loaded and unloaded therefrom. The traveltrailer 10 can be provided with a hinge connection 50 in accordance withone exemplary embodiment. The hinge connection 50 is located between thewheels 60 of the travel trailer 10 and the connection point to thetowing vehicle. The hinge connection 50 is shown in a non-actuatedposition in FIGS. 1 and 3 in which the travel trailer 10 is in thetravel configuration. The pin 52 functions to keep the yoke 34 and thehitch 48 locked into position with one another. As shown in FIG. 10A andFIG. 10B, the hinge connection 50 can be used to modify an angle 72between the floor 24 and the hitch 48. In this regard, the pin 52 of thehinge connection 50 can be removed in order to allow the hitch 48 torotate with respect to the yoke 34. Any type of hinge connection 50 canbe used to allow the hitch 48 and yoke 34 to pivot. The hinge connection50 may be made through the use of bushings or springs or may be madewithout an extra component such that the yoke 34 and hitch 48 areconnected in such a manner that they can integrally pivot with respectto one another. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, therearward end of the hitch 48 has a pin that is disposed in theinboard/outboard direction of the travel trailer 10. The yoke 34includes a pair of bushings that receive the pin of the hitch 48 to thusresult in the hinge connection 50. A damper 54 can be connected to thehitch 48 and to the frame 12 so that upon the removal of pin 52 thehitch 48 and yoke 34 do not uncontrollably pivot. The damper 54 thusallows for a slower rate of pivoting to be realized between the hitch 48and yoke 34 so that damage to the travel trailer 10 or items proximatethereto does not occur. Flanges may be present on the hitch 48 and frame12 to which the damper 54 is pivotally attached. The damper 54 can bebolted to the flanges on the hitch 48 and frame 12 in order to result ina pivoted arrangement. The damper 54 may be a P7260 model number dampersupplied by AVM Industries having offices located at Highway 76 East,Marion, S.C., USA.

The hinge connection 50 can be actuated so that the angle 72 is reducedfrom the non-actuated position. In accordance with various exemplaryembodiments, angle 72 may be from 120° to 175° when hinge connection 50is actuated. The travel trailer 10 can be positioned as shown in FIG. 11so that the rear cross-member 36 is touching or is in close proximity tothe ground. Consequently, the floor 24 is positioned within closeproximity to the ground so that the object 58 (ATV) can be easily driventhereon. In this configuration, the step 38 is removed from the rearcross-member 36 as previously discussed in order to provide unobstructedaccess to and from the floor 24. Without the pivoting feature of thetravel trailer 10, it may be necessary to lift the ATV 58 onto the floor24 or position ramps or other lifting devices proximate to floor 24 inorder to load the travel trailer 10. ATV 58 can be moved along floor 24until a sufficient amount of weight is located forward of the wheels 60.At this time, the floor 24 will begin to pivot with respect to the hitch48 so that the angle 72 increases. The hinge connection 50 will thusreturn to its original, non-actuated position as shown in FIG. 12 withthe ATV 58 fully loaded into the transport area 56. The damper 54 willlikewise act to slow and control the pivoting of hinge connection 50when the weight of ATV 58 causes the hinge connection 50 to return tothe non-actuated orientation.

The hinge connection 50 can be actuated when the travel trailer 10 isattached to the towing vehicle. As such, the floor 24 can be pivotedwith respect to the hitch 48 so that its end is proximate to or touchingthe ground in order to aid in the loading of objects 58 such as the ATV58. As such, the travel trailer 10 need not be removed from the towingvehicle in order to pivot the floor 24 with respect to the hitch 48 toposition the floor 24 so as to aid in loading ATVs 58 thereon. The hitch48 may remain in an orientation essentially parallel to the ground whilethe floor 24 is pivoted into the desired position. Once loaded, the pin52 can be reinserted into the hinge connection 50 in order to lock thehinge connection 50 and prepare the travel trailer 10 for transport. Inorder to unload the ATV 58 from the transport area 56, the pin 52 canonce again be removed in order to pivot the floor 24 with respect to thehitch 48 so that the floor 24 is located proximate to the ground toassist in removal of the ATV 58. The floor 24 can be pivoted to allowthe ATV 58 to be unloaded while the hitch 48 remains attached to thetowing vehicle. As such, the hinge connection 50 is arranged so that thehitch 48 does not need to be removed from the towing vehicle duringloading and unloading of the ATV 58. Although not shown, once the ATV 58is loaded onto the travel trailer 10 the detachable pivot connection 42can be reattached to the rear cross-member 36 as previously discussed toattach the step 38 so that the license plate 40 is displayed to otherdrivers. Also, the step 38 can be further secured to the frame 12, bedplatforms 14 and 16, or to the telescoping members 74 to act as a gateto prevent the ATV 58 from falling out of the travel trailer 10 duringtransport. However, other means, such as tie downs, of preventing theATV 58 from falling out of travel trailer 10 may be employed so long asappropriate procedures are followed by the operator.

The travel trailer 10 can also be configured into a campingconfiguration in which tent fabric 20 is deployed on the travel trailer10 in order to form a tent 22 to provide shelter. The travel trailer 10is oriented into the camping configuration in FIGS. 13 and 14. In orderto place the travel trailer 10 into the camping configuration from thetransport configuration, the lifting mechanism 26 is actuated in orderto raise the camping pod 18 so that it no longer engages the first andsecond bed platforms 14 and 16. The step 38 may be rotated out of itsvertical position and placed onto the ground so as to function as a stepinto and out of the interior of the travel trailer 10. If the traveltrailer 10 was in the ATV mode, the ATV 58 or other objects in thetransport area 56 are removed, the step 38 is reattached, and lifting ofthe camping pod 18 is not necessary. Assuming that the travel trailer 10was in the travel configuration, once the camping pod 18 is lifted thefirst and second bed platforms 14 and 16 can be folded outwards so thatthey are located generally outside of the footprint of frame 12. Aspreviously stated, the bed platforms 14 and 16 are pivotally mounted tothe vertical corner posts 28 to allow for this rotation. The bedplatforms 14 and 16 can be unfolded to a location essentially onehundred and eighty degrees from their folded position when in the travelconfiguration. A ledge may be present on the vertical corner posts 28 oron the top of the side frames 30 and 32 to limit rotational movement ofthe bed platforms 14 and 16. A plurality of bed platform supports 94 maythen be manually grasped and positioned by the user. The bed platformsupports 94 may be stored in the front storage box 82 in accordance withcertain exemplary embodiments. Bed platform supports 94 can engage thebed platforms 14 and 16 and the frame 12 in order to hold the bedplatforms 14 and 16 in a desired position. In this regard, the bedplatform supports 94 are elongated members made of steel that haveflanges on either end that simply hook onto and rest against frame 12and the bed platforms 14 and 16. Other arrangements are possible. Forexample, receiving apertures may be present in the frame 12 and bedplatforms 14 and 16. The bed platform supports 94 can be inserted intoand received within the receiving apertures of the frame 12 and bedplatforms 14 and 16 in order to provide support thereto. In yet otherexemplary embodiments, flanges with apertures may extend from the frame12 and receive cylindrical ends of the bed platform supports 94. Theopposite cylindrical ends of the bed platform supports 94 can bereceived within apertures of the bed platforms 14 and 16. The bedplatform supports 94 can fully support the bed platforms 14 and 16 inthe positions shown or may be present in order to help support bedplatforms 14 and 16. In this regard, the bed platforms 14 and 16 may belocked into the camping configuration position through interaction withthe pins 104 that may limit their rotational orientation. Further, asstated ledges may also be present on the vertical corner posts 28 orside frame components 30 and 32 in order to assist in holding the bedplatforms 14 and 16.

After positioning the first and second bed platforms 14 and 16 into thecamping configuration the step 38 may be rotated about the rearcross-member 36 in order to assist a user in entering and exiting therear of the travel trailer 10 if not already positioned. Also, thecamping pod 18 can be opened in order to deploy the tent fabric 20 andform tent 22. A latch is present at the rearward portion of the campingpod 18 that can be actuated by the user in order to effect opening. Thelatch on the camping pod 18 can be made of a rotary latch—LH—pullback, arotary latch—RH—pullback, and a striker bolt assembly “N” supplied bySouthco® Marine having offices located at 501 Haverty Court Suite J,Rockledge, Fla., USA. The camping pod 18 can be a clamshell typecomponent that has a bottom portion 62 and a top portion 64. FIG. 15 isa cross-sectional, detailed view of the travel trailer 10 in thetransport configuration. The camping pod 18 has a bottom portion 62 thatis hinged to the top portion 64 at approximately the front of thecamping pod 18. The bottom portion 62 is arranged so that its engagementwith the top portion 64 forms a seal 66 as shown for keeping water outof the camping pod 18 while driving down the road. The user may unlatchthe camping pod 18 so that the bottom portion 62 swings downward whilethe top portion 64 remains held to and supported by the rack 76. Thisarrangement is shown in FIG. 16. Pivoting of the bottom portion 62 aboutthe top portion 64 causes the seal 66 to be opened thus resulting in theformation of a vent 68 as shown. The vent 68 functions to increase airflow into and out of the interior 70 of tent 22 when the travel trailer10 is placed into the camping configuration. In accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, air flow may enter the tent 22 though windowsdefined in the tent fabric 20 and can exit the tent 22 through the vent68. A section of tent fabric 20 can be present under the camping pod 18so that mosquitoes and other bugs cannot find their way through vent 68and into the interior 70 when camping. A portion of the tent fabric 20can be both solid polyester and mosquito-proof mesh that extends acrossthe entire roof of the tent 22 in order to afford cooling to theinterior of the tent 22 and prevent the entry of insects.

The camping pod 18 may include a damper 96 that functions to control thelowering of the bottom portion 62 when opening the camping pod 18. Thedamper 96 thus prevents the bottom portion 62 from potentially fallingsuddenly and injuring the user, breaking, or causing damage to items inthe travel trailer 10. The damper 96 can be pivotally connected to boththe bottom portion 62 and top portion 64 of the camping pod 18. Damper96 may be a P7260 model number damper provided by AVM Industries havingoffices at Highway 76 East, Marion, S.C., USA. One or more springs mayalso be included and can be attached to both the bottom portion 62 andthe top portion 64 of the camping pod 18 in order to provide acontrolled descent of the bottom portion 62 when lowering. The springsmay also be obtained by AVM Industries. FIG. 17 shows an explodedassembly view of the camping pod 18 and the rack 76. The camping pod 18also includes a telescoping component 78 to account for variations inthermal expansion and contraction of connected components. For example,if made of a plastic material the camping pod 18 may expand and contractat a different rate than the rack 76, which may be made of aluminum, inresponse to temperature variations. Engagement between the rack 76 andcamping pod 18 can be effected through the telescoping component 78 thatallows them to slide or move with respect to one another. Thetelescoping component 78 includes members that are fitted within oneanother and are capable of sliding with respect to one another toaccommodate movement. As such, lengthwise expansion or contraction ofthe camping pod 18 at a different rate than the rack 76 can beaccommodated through movement of the telescoping component 78 so thatneither of these parts becomes distressed upon expansion or contractionat different rates through thermal forces. The telescoping portions 78are associated with both the bottom portion 62 and top portion 64 of thecamping pod 18 in that a pair of telescoping portions 78 are pinned tothe top portion 64 and a pair of telescoping portions 78 are engagedwith the bottom portion 62 as shown. The camping pod 18 is mounted ontothe rack 76 by way of four pins 106. Space can be provided along thepins 106 so that upon expansion and contraction of the rack 76 andcamping pod 18 at different rates the relative position of the campingpod 18 along the pins 106 can be varied. The space provided by pins 106therefore accommodates widthwise variations between different rates ofthermal expansion and contraction of the camping pod 18 and the rack 76.Cross members are also present in the camping pod 18 to support thetelescoping portions 78 and other components of the camping pod 18.

The camping pod 18 is opened when forming the tent 22. The bottomportion 62 of the camping pod 18 becomes the front wall of the tent 22,as shown in FIG. 18, when the camping pod 18 is opened. The bottomportion 62 can be held in place through mechanical fasteners or throughsome other mechanism to the floor 24 or frame 12 in various exemplaryembodiments. Other embodiments exist in which the bottom portion 62simply pivots downward and remains in the vertical position unlatcheduntil pulled back up by the user. As previously discussed, one or moresprings may be attached to both the bottom portion 62 and the topportion 64 to assist in controlling the lowering of the bottom portion62. The springs can be arranged in such a manner that they function toresist lowering of the bottom portion 62 to a certain point at whichthey then function to hold the bottom portion 62 in the downwardposition. Such arrangements are possible upon positioning the attachmentpoints of the springs with respect to the bottom portion 62 and the topportion 64. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the springsfunction to pull the bottom portion 62 back into the closed positionuntil the user rotates the bottom portion 62 past vertical. At thispoint, the springs then function to prevent the bottom portion 62 fromrotating back into the closed position. As such, the springs may beprovided to function to lock the bottom portion 62 in the open positionthus requiring force from the user be applied to reorient same back intothe closed position with the top portion 64.

As shown in FIG. 19, the tent 22 is arranged so that a door 108 islocated on the rear of the travel trailer 10 to allow a user to gainaccess to the interior 70 of the tent 22. The door 108 may be opened byunzipping a zipper in the tent fabric 20. In this regard, the door 108is made of a zipper in the tent fabric 20 that can be opened and closedin order to likewise open and close the door 108. Additionally oralternatively, latches or hook and loop type fasteners can be used toopen and close the door 108. Access to and from the interior 70 is thusgained through the rear of the travel trailer 10. However, otherembodiments are also possible in which access to the interior 70 can begained through the front or through one or more of the sides of the tent22. The step 38 is positioned in the camping configuration so that it islocated generally beneath the door 108 to assist a user in entering andexiting the interior 70.

FIG. 20 shows the interior 70 of tent 22. Tent fabric 20 is positionedover the first and second bed platforms 14 and 16 in order to increasethe volume of interior 70. The tent fabric 20 is stored in the campingpod 18 and is accessible when the bottom portion 62 of the camping pod18 is unlatched and lowered. The tent fabric 20 is thus raised inside ofthe camping pod 18 and is not deployed while the camping pod 18 iselevated from the travel to the camping configuration. Once the campingpod 18 is raised to the elevated position, the tent fabric 20 is thenexposed and lowered into position. As such, in the disclosed exemplaryembodiment the tent fabric 20 is not deployed and raised into positionupon raising of the camping pod 18 but is instead in a storage positionduring raising of the camping 18 and deployment thereof only begins oncethe camping pod 18 is in the vertically raised position.

The tent fabric 20 may be made of a variety of materials. Typically, thetent fabric 20 is made of a material that is strong, waterproof andflexible. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the tent fabric20 is fabric provided by Kelty® having offices located at 6235 LookoutRoad, Boulder, Colo., USA. The tent fabric 20 may be a polyester andcordura tent and awning as provided by Kelty®. Bed panels 110 and 112can be placed onto the first and second bed platforms 14 and 16 in orderto form beds onto which users may rest or sleep. The bed panels 110 and112 can be stored in the camping pod 18 and may be removed and unfoldedonce the camping pod 18 is opened. The user may manually place the bedpanels 110 and 112 into position in the first bed platform 14 and secondbed platform 16. Air mattresses (not shown) can be inflated and locatedon top of the bed panels 110 and 112 to provide a comfortable sleepingsupport for the users. The bed panels 110 and 112 may be made fromcorrugated plastic panels that are inserted into polyester fabricsleeves. The corrugated plastic panels may be Coroplast® materialprovided by Piedmont Plastics®, having offices located at 25 BrookfieldOaks Drive # A, Greenville, S.C., USA. The polyester fabric sleeves maybe provided from Kelty®. Alternatively, the bed panels 110 and 112 canbe stored at another location in the travel trailer 10 and placed ontothe bed platforms 14 and 16 when constructing the tent 22. For example,the bed panels 110 and 112 can be located underneath the camping pod 18and can be removed from this location and placed onto the bed platforms14 and 16 before the camping pod 18 is opened. Although not shown,windows can be located in the tent fabric 20 to allow viewing out of thefront side of the tent 22. Additionally or alternatively, one or morewindows may be located in the tent fabric 20 above the first and secondbed platforms 14 and 16 to allow a user to gaze at the stars whileresting on the bed platforms 14 and 16.

A pair of interior bed panels 44 and 46 can also be included. Theinterior bed panels 44 and 46 may be located inside of the camping pod18 and can be mounted to the top portion 64. The interior bed panels 44and 46 may be accessed when the camping pod 18 is opened and can bedetached from the top portion 64. The interior bed panels 44 and 46 canalternatively be located underneath the camping pod 18 when the traveltrailer 10 is in the travel or transport configurations. In the campingmode, the interior bed panels 44 and 46 can be detached from the rack76, camping pod 18, or other member to which they are attached andplaced into a desired position, for instance between the bed panels 110and 112. The interior bed panels 44 and 46 can be located above thefloor 24 of the travel trailer 10 at the same height as the bed panels110 and 112 to form a single, large sleeping surface. The interior bedpanels 44 and 46 can have a thickness of one inch and may have a KraftPaper® corrugated honeycomb core with a Filon® skin. The Filon® skin canbe white on one side and have a pebble composition on its opposite side.Such interior bed panels 44 and 46 can be provided by CCV having officesat 8775 C Jim Bailey Cres., Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Theinterior bed panels 44 and 46 composed of this configuration afford astrong, yet lightweight component of the travel trailer 10.

The bed panels 44 and 46 can alternatively be located above the floor 24at a height greater than the bed panels 110 and 112 in order to form atable. In this regard, users may sit on the bed panels 110 and 112 anduse bed panels 44 and 46 as a table surface for eating or playing cards.Ends of the bed panels 44 and 46 can hook onto or otherwise be supportedby a front frame component 37 of the frame 12. In this regard, the bedpanels 44 and 46 can have flanges on their ends that fit onto the endsof the first bed platform 14 and the second bed platform 16. The flangesof the bed panels 44 and 46 will thus rest on the horizontally disposedbed platforms 14 and 16 and on tent fabric 20 located at this point ofattachment. Legs can be provided on the underside of the bed panels 44and 46 in order to be supported along their length. Further, the sidesof the bed panels 44 and 46 can be supported by the first and secondside frame components 30 and 32 or may be supported by portions of theframe 12. The bed panels 44 and 46 can be adjusted and positioned in avariety of manners, as desired, in order to selectively arrange theinterior 70 of the tent 22.

The tent fabric 20 can be supported by the frame 12. In this regard, thetent fabric 20 may be attached to the frame 12 or may be unattached tothe frame 12 which still supports the tent fabric 20 since it supportsthe camping pod 18 and/or telescoping members 74 which in turn supportthe tent fabric 20. As such, the frame 12 supports the tent fabric 20 inthat it functions to hold the tent fabric 20 in a particular position.As such, when used herein the support that the frame 12 provides to thetent fabric 20 is understood to be used in the broadest sense and doesnot require actual contact, locking, covering or overlapping of thesecomponents. The travel trailer 10 may include components that are madeof a variety of materials. For example, the rack 76 may be made ofaluminum in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. Additionally, bedplatforms 14 and 16, the side frame components 30 and 32, the verticalcorner posts 28, and the rear cross-member 36 may also be made ofaluminum. The yoke 34 and hitch 48 can be made of steel in accordancewith certain exemplary embodiments.

An alternative exemplary embodiment of the travel trailer 10 is shown inFIG. 21. The frame 12 can include one or more legs 114 that are deployedwhen the travel trailer 10 is placed into the camping configuration. Thelegs 114 are bolted onto the bottom of the frame 12 and can be capableof pivoting and being positioned upon the ground as desired in order tohelp provide stability to the tent 22. The legs 114 may be Atwood®Stabilizer Jacks provided by Atwood® Mobile Products having offices at1120 North Main Street, Elkhart, Ind., USA. Four legs 114 areillustrated. However, it is to be understood that any number of legs 114may be used in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. The legs114 may be attached to the cross members of the floor 24 of the frame 12in certain exemplary embodiments. However, other embodiments arepossible in which the legs 114 are either bolted or welded onto the sideframe components 30 and 32 or onto other portions of the frame 12.

Opening of the camping pod 18 allows tent fabric 20 to be deployed. Thetent fabric is attached to the top portion 64 of the camping pod 18 andis removed therefrom and placed into position with respect to the firstand second bed platforms 14 and 16 and the rear of the frame 12. Tentpoles 116, 118 and 120 may be stored in the camping pod 18 or in frontstorage box 82. The tent poles 116, 118 and 120 are elongated memberscapable of bending to some degree. The tent poles 116, 118 and 120 maybe made of aluminum in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.The tent poles 116, 118 and 120 may be DAC® tent poles provided byDongah Aluminum Corporation having offices at 542-3 Gajwa-dong, Suh Ku,Incheon, Korea. The user can insert the tent pole 116 into a receivingpocket defined within the tent fabric 20. The tent pole 116 may haveends that are cylindrical in shape and are received within circularapertures defined in flanges of the tent fabric 20. Tent pole 116functions to provide structural support to, and shape, the portion ofthe tent 22 located above the first bed platform 14. In a similarmanner, tent pole 118 can be inserted into a pocket of the tent fabric20 in order to shape the portion of tent 22 located above the second bedplatform 16. Tent pole 120 can be likewise inserted into a pocket of thetent fabric 20 located at the rear of the tent 22. Tent pole 120functions to help define and support an awning that is formed in thetent 22 at a location above the door 108 of the tent 22.

The camping configuration of the travel trailer 10 reveals a tent 22that has a wall that is at least partially formed by the bottom portion62 of the camping pod 18. The front wall of the tent 22 is formedpartially by the bottom portion 62 of the camping pod 18 and partiallyby a front section of the tent fabric 20. At least a portion of the roofof the tent 22 is formed by the top portion 64 of the camping pod 18.Specifically, the portion of the roof located above the floor 24 isformed by the top portion 64 of the camping pod 18, and the remainingportions of the roof of the tent 22 are formed by tent fabric 20.

With reference now to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23A and 23B, the open bottomportion 62 of the camping pod 18 holds a pair of folded bed panels 110and 112. The bed panels 110 and 112 have corrugated plastic panels thatmay be contained within pockets of the polyester fabric sleeves that areattached to one another. The bed panels 110 and 112 can be folded fourtimes onto one another for space conservation. A hook and loop typefastener strap may be used to retain the folded bed panels 110 and 112onto the bottom portion 62. FIG. 22A shows the bed panel 112 retained inthis manner. The user may remove the bed panel 110 from the bottomportion 62 and unfold the bed panel 110. The first bed platform 14 has aledge 122 that defines a recess 124. Portions of the tent fabric 20 arelocated within the recess 124 when the tent fabric 20 is deployed andopened up over the first bed platform 14. This portion of the tentfabric 20 has sleeves 126 that are sized to receive the ends of the bedpanel 110 in order to retain the bed panel 110 therein and to functionto secure the positioning of the tent 22. The sleeved bed panel 110 canthen be located into the recess 124 of the first bed platform 14. Withreference now to FIG. 22B, the second bed platform 16 has a ledge 128that defines a recess 130. A portion of the tent fabric 20 located atthe second bed platform 16 has a sleeve 132 that can receive theunfolded bed platform 112 that is placed into the recess 130 withportions of tent fabric 20 held therebetween. The user may retrieve andinflate two of the air mattresses 134 from the camping pod 18 and placethese air mattresses 134 onto the bed panels 110 and 112 to provide fora sleeping area in the travel trailer 10. The air mattresses 134 arestored and held in the top portion 64 of the camping pod 18 when not inuse.

A pair of interior bed panels 44 and 46 are retained in the top portion64 of the opened camping pod 18. The interior bed panels 44 and 46 canrest on cross members of the rack 76 and can be removed by sliding theinterior bed panels 44 and 46 through openings between the crossmembers. Other arrangements are possible in which the interior bedpanels 44 and 46 are bolted to or otherwise fixedly attached to the rack76. The interior bed panel 44 can have a hook located on one end that ishooked onto a cross member of the lowered bottom portion 62 of thecamping pod 18. FIG. 23A illustrates the interior bed panel 44 aspositioned for use as a table in the interior 70 of the tent 22. Asupport tie 136 may be included that has hooks on either end that attachto a ring on the interior bed panel 44 and to a ring on the bottomportion 62. The support tie 136 functions to support the interior bedpanel 44 in position when used as a table. The support tie 136 may bemade of a flexible plastic material in accordance with certain exemplaryembodiments. The interior bed panel 44 thus affords users of the traveltrailer 10 with an eating surface that can be utilized while sitting onthe bed panels 110 and 112.

Both of the interior bed panels 44 and 46 may have hooks located ontheir ends that can be placed onto the ends of the first bed platform 14and second bed platform 16. The interior bed panels 44 and 46 can thusbridge the area between the bed panels 110 and 112 to form one largesurface, as shown for instance in FIG. 20. The remaining air mattresses134 can be removed and inflated and placed onto the interior bed panels44 and 46 so that a larger sleeping area can be realized. The airmattresses 134 may be provided by Pacific Outdoor Equipment havingoffices located at 521 East Peach Street, Unit 4, Bozeman, Mont., USA.As shown, a space remains underneath the assembled interior bed panels44 and 46 that is defined at least partially by the floor 24 and otherportions of the tent fabric 20. This space may be utilized as anadditional sleeping area or may be used for storage of equipment orother items during use of the travel trailer 10 in the campingconfiguration.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the camping pod 18 in the closedposition. The bed panels 110 and 112 are located at the bottom of thecamping pod 18 and are retained onto the bottom portion 62 by hook andloop type fastener straps or by another attachment mechanism. Tentfabric 20 is located above the bed panels 110 and 112 and is compressedinto a relatively small space due to its inherent flexibility. Theinterior bed panels 44 and 46 are located above the tent fabric 20 andengage cross members of the rack 76 located within the camping pod 18.Movement of the travel trailer 10 during transport will necessarilycause disturbances and vibration within the camping pod 18. The airmattresses 134 can be positioned within the camping pod 18 to act as acushioning device so as to prevent movement and vibration of thecomponents within. In this regard, the air mattresses 134 may be placedabove the interior bed panels 44 and 46 in order to prevent same fromrattling against the cross members of the rack 76. The air mattresses134 can be positioned to fill up any empty space within the camping pod18 so that the elements housed within are cushioned to prevent vibrationduring transport. Although shown as being arranged in a particularconfiguration, it is to be understood that the bed panels 110 and 112,the tent fabric 20, the interior bed panels 44 and 46, and the airmattresses 134 can be arranged in various configurations within thecamping pod 18 in accordance with other exemplary embodiments.

An alternative exemplary embodiment of the lifting portions of thetravel trailer 10 are shown in FIGS. 25, 26, 27A and 27B that arecross-sectional views of the vertical corner posts 28, telescopingmember 74 and related components. The telescoping member 74 is a singlepiece made of four cylindrical tubes that are co-axial with one another.Each of the cylindrical tubes of the telescoping member 74 has adifferent diameter so that they are capable of being retained andextended in a telescoping manner. Each one of the cylindrical tubes canbe a single piece that has a smaller diameter at the top and a largerdiameter at the bottom than the diameter of the middle section of thesingle piece. In this manner, the four cylindrical pieces can bearranged so that they are capable of pulling a successive cylindricalpiece upwards upon lifting of the telescoping member 74. The successivetubes of the telescoping member 74 can slide relative to one anothersuch that when the lifting mechanism 26 is actuated the tubes are liftedin order from the center out. The centermost tube is lifted first itsfull then at such time the next successive outward tube is pulled by thecentermost tube upwards. This process repeats itself until all of thecylindrical tubes of the telescoping member 74 are fully extended. Thebottom cylindrical tube may have a knurl feature applied thereon so asto inform the user that the maximum height of the telescoping member 74has been reached and to cease actuation of the lifting mechanism 26.Reversal of the lifting mechanism 26 causes the cylindrical tubes toretract in a reverse manner.

A retractable pin 140 of the upper tube of the telescoping member 74functions to hold the rack 76 to the telescoping member 74. In order toattach these two elements, the user may rotate the upper tube of thetelescoping member 74 so that the retractable pin 140 is aligned with agrooved portion of the rack 76. Lowering of the rack 76 onto theretractable pin 140 causes the retractable pin 140 to move along thegroove and be compressed so that it can be retained with a recess 142 ofthe rack 76. The upper tube of the telescoping member 74 can then berotated inside of the recess 142 so that the retractable pin 140 isaligned with openings therein to become extended and hence lock the rack76 to the telescoping member 74. A set pin 138 can subsequently beinserted in order to further lock the rack 76 to the telescoping member74. The set pin 138 is illustrated in FIG. 27B.

In order to detach the rack 76 from the telescoping member 74, the usermay first ensure that the rack 76 is positioned at a point that allowsaccess to the upper tube of the telescoping member 74 by the user. Next,the user can remove the set pin 138 that functions to lock the rack 76to the telescoping member 74. The user may then grasp the upper tube ofthe telescoping member 74 and rotate same so that the retractable pin140 slides along the internal opening and becomes retracted within therecess 142. Next, downward force may be applied on the upper tube of thetelescoping member 74 so that it becomes detached from the rack 76. Whenforce is applied, the retractable pin 140 is in a retracted position anddoes not impede the relative vertical movement between the rack 76 andthe telescoping member 74. The user may then repeat the immediatelymentioned process at the other three telescoping members 74 in order toremove same from the rack 76. In this regard, all of the connectionsbetween the telescoping members 74 and the rack 76 are identical inconfiguration.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the travel trailer 10 once the rack 76has been removed. The camping pod 18 is likewise removed along with therack 76 as it is attached thereto. Removal of the rack 76 causes thetransport area 56 of the travel trailer 10 to be roofless to aid ininserting or transporting certain types of objects 58. For example, itmay be desired to utilize the travel trailer 10 for the transport ofyard waste. Removal of the rack 76 and camping pod 18 may aid ininserting, transporting and removing yard waste with the travel trailer10. The step 38 may be optionally removed in this orientation so thatthe back of the travel trailer 10 can be more easily accessed and canallow objects longer than the travel trailer 10 to still be transported.The first bed platform and the second bed platform 14 and 16 can also beremoved from the travel trailer 10 if desired should the travel trailer10 be utilized as a utility trailer. The removal of the rack 76, campingpod 18, first bed platform 14 and second bed platform 16 can be effectedwithout the need for the user to use tools in accordance with certainexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of the traveltrailer 10. Here, a tongue extension 144 is bolted onto the hitch 48.The tongue extension 144 functions to increase the length of the hitch48 so that the distance from the other portions of the travel trailer 10to the towing vehicle is extended. It may be desirable in somecircumstances to transport longer types of objects 58 such as kayaks.Placement of kayaks onto the rack 76 may require that the rack 76 belocated farther from the towing vehicle in order to accommodate theirlength. The tongue extension 144 increases this distance so that objects58 of longer length may be transported by the travel trailer 10. Thetongue extension 144 may be a cast part and may be made of steel.

While the present invention has been described in connection withcertain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subjectmatter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limitedto those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for thesubject matter of the invention to include all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit andscope of the following claims.

1. A tent, comprising: a camping pod that has a clamshell configurationthat has a closed position with a top portion and a bottom portion thatare hinged to one another, the camping pod is moveable to an openposition in which the bottom portion is pivoted with respect to the topportion to be moved downward to at least partially form a front wall ofthe tent and such that the top portion remains so as to at leastpartially form a top of the tent; and tent fabric that at leastpartially forms at least two walls of the tent.
 2. The tent as set forthin claim 1, further comprising: a frame that supports the camping pod;at least one tent pole that is positioned through a portion of the tentfabric in order to shape the tent; and a leg that is attached to theframe and is capable of being positioned against the ground in order tostabilize the frame.
 3. The tent as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of interior bed panels, wherein the camping pod isconfigured in a clam shell orientation and is capable of being openedsuch that the bottom portions of the camping pod at least partiallyforms the wall of the tent, and wherein at least one of the interior bedpanels is configured for being attached to the bottom of the camping podso as to be horizontally oriented for use as a table within the interiorof the tent.
 4. The tent as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: aframe that supports the camping pod and the tent fabric; and a pair ofwheels rotatably mounted to the frame, wherein both of the wheels havean aluminum hub.
 5. The tent as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising: a frame that supports the camping pod and the tent fabric; ahitch that is attached to the frame and is configured for being attachedto a vehicle for use in towing the tent; and a tongue extension that isconfigured for being bolted to the hitch, wherein the tongue extensionis configured for being attached to the vehicle such that the hitch isattached to the vehicle for use in towing the tent, wherein the tongueextension functions to extend the distance between the camping pod andthe vehicle.
 6. The tent as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: ahitch configured for attachment to a vehicle; and a hinge connectionconfigured to allow the angular orientation between the camping pod andthe hitch to change while the hitch is attached to the vehicle.